Arsenal go face newly-promoted Leeds United for Emirates this Saturday evening as dem open dem home Premier League campaign for the new season.
Whether Eberechi Eze dey available or not, all eyes go still dey on how Mikel Arteta men fit build on the 1-0 win wey dem manage collect against Manchester United last weekend.
Arsenal Form & Focus
Last weekend for Old Trafford, Arsenal no too shine for open play, but na set-piece rescue dem. Riccardo Calafiori pounce on mistake from United keeper Altay Bayindir, and na that one separate both sides.
Truth be say, United dominate possession and get more chances, but Arsenal defence hold strong with Saliba leading and David Raya pulling out big saves.
The 1-0 win na Arsenal sixth away victory against United for Premier League history, and e extend dem unbeaten run against the traditional ‘Big Six’ to 22 straight matches.
Dem form from last season still dey show – three wins on the bounce now, though all na slim one-goal margins. Arsenal never win home match by two clear goals since dem hammer Manchester City 5-1 over six months ago.
Still, three points na three points. And if Arsenal beat Leeds, dem go match Chelsea record of longest unbeaten home run (43) against newly-promoted sides. For now, dem don already reach 42.
Leeds United Momentum
Leeds return to Premier League football sweet last weekend as dem edge Everton 1-0, thanks to Lukas Nmecha cool penalty.
The call dey controversial because James Tarkowski handball look soft, but the referee no reason am like that. Still, Daniel Farke men deserve win as dem show more hunger than Everton.
Now, the challenge be say Leeds never too enjoy trips go London. Dem don lose seven straight PL games for the capital. On top that, Arsenal get six straight wins over Leeds across competitions, plus unbeaten in 14 meetings. The last time Leeds shock Arsenal na for Highbury in 2003 – a whole 21 years ago.
Team News
Arsenal headache start with Kai Havertz, wey pick up knee injury. Nobody sabi how serious e be yet. On top that, Eberechi Eze deal don enter, but e too early for am to debut against Leeds.
So Gabriel Martinelli spot still safe. Christian Norgaard dey miss with knock, Ben White need late fitness test, and Gabriel Jesus (ACL) still dey recovery mode.
For Leeds, wahala dey after Ethan Ampadu injury against Everton. Diagnosis show MCL issue, so him go miss action till after international break. Ilia Gruev likely go step in as holding midfielder.
The good news be say Jaka Bijol return from suspension, and Bornauw fit ready after calf problem. New striker Noah Okafor dey available too, but him fit start from bench.
Likely Lineups
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Leeds XI: Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stach, Gruev, Tanaka; Gnonto, Nmecha, Harrison
Prediction
Arsenal show against United say dem fit defend deep and still grind out win. But for Emirates, dem go need step up attacking sharpness. Leeds go try sit compact, but once Arsenal break through, the gaps go open.
We say: Arsenal 2-0 Leeds United